What’s it called when a fit of sneezing takes hold? Try ptarmosis, from the Greek ptarmos for “sneeze.” Or sternutamentum, meaning rapid, spasmodic sneezing. This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “Sneezing Fits”
I have another word for you, Grant.
Petarmosis.
Petarmosis.
P-T-A-R-M-O-S-I-S.
What is that?
Well, it comes from the Greek word for sneeze, which makes a lot of sense.
Petarmos.
Petarmos, okay.
Yeah, with a P. And it means spasmodic sneezing.
Oh, like how? Do it.
You know, a whole bunch of sneezes.
Oh, I see.
I have a word for that.
It’s related to the one we talked about before.
We talked about sternutation is sneezing in general, but sternutomentum is a fit of sneezing where you sneeze three or four times in a row.
Love it.
877-929-9673 is the number to share your sneeze words or any other comments about language.
